State Appreciates Partnership with Norfolk on Growth Plans

Norfolk Daily News, Thursday, March 4, 2010

Editor's note: The following is one of several columns on economic development. This one is by Richard Baier, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

By Richard Baier

At any time, but especially in tough economic times, it's important for business, community and government leaders to revisit their beginnings-the very foundations that, through the years, have brought their companies, municipalities and state to its current base of strength. It reminds us all that some pillars remain steadfast from whence we can rely on future sustainable growth and development.

What does this mean exactly?

Well, speaking on behalf of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), one of our most valuable assets through the years has been the outstanding partnerships we have established throughout the state, and Norfolk is no exception.

Be it with city officials, Norfolk's collective community of business and travel and tourism professionals, or the intricate network of nonprofit organizations serving the basic needs of its citizens, from housing to health, our shared vision of providing essential, life-sustaining services stays the course through thick and thin.

One of these pillars remains the need for safe, decent housing in which families can provide for one another. Several examples in 2009 where we strived to meet this need, include the awarding of more than $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funding to NeighborWorks Northeast, Norfolk Area Habitat for Humanity and Northeast Economic Development for various housing programs, including purchase, rehabilitation, and resale of existing homes, construction of affordable homes and homebuyer assistance.

A greater extension of the goal to provide more affordable housing is DED's Community Revitalization program that the City of Norfolk has used since 2005 for a variety of needs, including housing, infrastructure, public works and business development, to name a few. In 2009, DED awarded the city $4,250 in block grant funding in the planning category (the city matched it with $1,250) to further evaluate its many housing and public works activites currently benefiting its low and moderate-income neighborhoods.

In the effort to strenghten neighborhoods even more, DED awarded a total $624,000 ($312,000 each) in block grant funding to NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska and Northeast Economic Development Inc., through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 1 to either rehabilitate and resell vacant properties, or demolish blighted properties for future development efforts. Business attraction and expansion is another pillar criical to the continued economic growth and vitality of Nebraska, and Norfolk played a strategic role this past September when it hosted a group of top national site consultants as part of the Nebraska Diplomats Weekend event. Consultants were not only impressed with its thriving business community, including the outstanding work of the Nucor Detailing Center, but als o the overall appearance and pride that are so evident here. It's safe to say that Norfolk's initial goal and achievement of becoming a Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community continues to serve it well in its pursuit of the highest principles of economic development readiness and quality projects.

On the subject of yet another strong state pillar-travel and tourism-Norfolk organizations are working hard to develop its niche as a destination for great laughs and learning more about our state's American Indian culture, as DED's Travel and Tourism Division awarded more than $13,400 for various media advertising that promotes the Great American Comedy Festival and the American Indian Heritage Feather and Dance celebration. The department also is extremely grateful for Norfolk's continued support and outstanding hosting of many of its conferences, including this past year's Travel and Tourism Conference.

On behalf of DED and its staff, we are proud to continue partnering with Norfolk in 2010 with the same exciting, proactive, vigorous approach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Article published on Mar 16, 2010